Adhesion of multimode adhesives to enamel and dentin after one year of water storage.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the ultramorphological characteristics of tooth-resin interfaces and the bond strength (BS) of multimode adhesive systems to enamel and dentin. METHODS: Multimode adhesives (Scotchbond Universal (SBU) and All-Bond Universal) were tested in both self-etch and etch-and-rinse modes and compared to control groups (Optibond FL and Clearfil SE Bond (CSB)). Adhesives were applied to human molars and composite blocks were incrementally built up. Teeth were sectioned to obtain specimens for microtensile BS and TEM analysis. Specimens were tested after storage for either 24 h or 1 year. SEM analyses were performed to classify the failure pattern of beam specimens after BS testing. RESULTS: Etching increased the enamel BS of multimode adhesives; however, BS decreased after storage for 1 year. No significant differences in dentin BS were noted between multimode and control in either evaluation period. Storage for 1 year only reduced the dentin BS for SBU in self-etch mode. TEM analysis identified hybridization and interaction zones in dentin and enamel for all adhesives. Silver impregnation was detected on dentin-resin interfaces after storage of specimens for 1 year only with the SBU and CSB. CONCLUSIONS: Storage for 1 year reduced enamel BS when adhesives are applied on etched surface; however, BS of multimode adhesives did not differ from those of the control group. In dentin, no significant difference was noted between the multimode and control group adhesives, regardless of etching mode. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In general, multimode adhesives showed similar behavior when compared to traditional adhesive techniques. Multimode adhesives are one-step self-etching adhesives that can also be used after enamel/dentin phosphoric acid etching, but each product may work better in specific conditions.

Bond Strength of a Flowable Bulk-fill Resin Composite in Class II MOD Cavities.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of a bulk-fill low-stress resin-based composite to dentin from gingival walls of Class II MOD cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class II MOD cavities were prepared in 44 human molars with the distal and mesial proximal boxes 4 and 6 mm deep, respectively. Eight experimental groups (n = 11) were obtained by a factorial design including 1. "composite" in two levels: a bulk-fill low-stress composite (SureFil SDR Flow, Dentsply Caulk) and a conventional composite (Filtek Z350 XT, 3M ESPE); 2. "filling technique" in two levels: bulk-fill (Bf) and incremental (In); and 3. "depth" in two levels: 4 mm and 6 mm in order to create different polymerization conditions. Twenty-four hours after placement of restorations, teeth were sectioned into beams with a cross-sectional bonded area of approximately 1 mm2. Bonded beams obtained from the gingival walls of the proximal boxes were tested in tension at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Data were submitted to a 3-way ANOVA followed by a post-hoc Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: ANOVA failed to identify significant differences for the triple and double interaction between factors. However, significant differences were observed for the factors "composite" and "filling technique" (p < 0.05). SDR presented significantly higher µTBS values for bulk and incremental filling techniques (p < 0.05), and the incremental filling technique presented significantly higher µTBS values for both composites (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the bulk-fill flowable composite SDR may improve the bond strength to the gingival walls of Class II MOD cavities.

Analysis of the interfacial micromorphology and bond strength of adhesive systems to Er:YAG laser-irradiated dentin.

UNLABELLED: This study evaluated the effects of different parameters of dentin irradiation with erbium -doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser on bond strength to dentin and analyzed the ultramorphological characteristics of resin-laser-irradiated dentin interfaces using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Dentin surfaces were abraded with SiC paper (600 grit) or Er:YAG laser-irradiated (120/4, 140/6, 180/4, or 200/6 mJ/Hz). Three adhesive systems were tested: Single Bond Plus (3M ESPE), Clearfil Protect Bond (Kuraray Med.), and Clearfil Tri-S Bond (Kuraray Med.). Treatments were performed over flat dentin surfaces of human third molars. Specimens were stored in distilled water for 1 week or 6 months and prepared for a microtensile bond strength test and interfacial ultrastructure for analysis. Microtensile bond strength data (n = 5) were analyzed with three-way analysis of variance. Irradiation with Er:YAG laser did not reduce the bond strength values for self-etching adhesives even after 6 months of water storage. The hybrid layer formation was observed only when the adhesives were applied to non-irradiated dentin (control group). Nanoleakage occurred in all resin-dentin interfaces using Single Bond Plus for both periods. Nanoleakage pattern and bond strength of self-etching adhesives to dentin were less affected by Er:YAG laser irradiation and by the 6-month storage in water than was those of the etch-and-rinse adhesive. TEM analysis revealed no hybridization when dentin was laser-irradiated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Minimally invasive caries removal has been proposed. Nevertheless, bonding mechanisms to lased dentin are not entirely described. Knowing the interaction between the treated dentin and bonding agents and its behavior over time is of utmost importance for new technologies. Regarding that, two-bottle self-etching adhesive system provided a more consistent evidence of its better behavior when bonding to lased substrate.

Effect of the application of a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste and adhesive systems on bond durability of a fissure sealant.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the previous application of a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate paste (MI Paste, MI) and adhesive systems on the bond durability of a fissure sealant. Ninety-eight enamel blocks were obtained from proximal surfaces of erupted third molars. Specimens were divided into 14 groups (n = 7) according to the previous application of MI (with and without) and the adhesive systems used (no adhesive system; hydrophobic resin of a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system; etch-and-rinse single-bottle adhesive system; all-in-one adhesive system; two-step self-etching adhesive system; additional phosphoric acid conditioning and all-in-one adhesive system; additional phosphoric acid conditioning and two-step self-etching adhesive system). A fissure sealant (Fluroshield) was applied and photoactivated for 20 s. Beams (~0.7 mm(2)) were prepared for the microtensile bond strength test, which was executed after 24 h or 6 months of water storage. Fractured specimens were analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with repeated measures/Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Groups that received MI application and adhesive systems presented higher means than those groups where MI was not applied. Higher frequency of cohesive failures was observed for groups with MI. Applying a CPP-ACP containing paste on enamel before adhesive systems was an effective method to increase bond durability of the sealant tested.

Microtensile bond strength of resin composite to dentin treated with Er:YAG laser of bleached teeth.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Er:YAG laser (λ = 2.94 µm) on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and superficial morphology of bovine dentin bleached with 16% carbamide peroxide. Forty bovine teeth blocks (7 × 3 × 3 mm(3)) were randomly assigned to four groups: G1- bleaching and Er:YAG irradiation with energy density of 25.56 J/cm(2) (focused mode); G2 - bleaching; G3 - no-bleaching and Er:YAG irradiation (25.56 J/cm(2)); G4 - control, non-treated. G1 and G2 were bleached with 16% carbamide peroxide for 6 h during 21 days. Afterwards, all blocks were abraded with 320 to 600-grit abrasive papers to obtain flat standardized dentin surfaces. G1 and G3 were Er:YAG irradiated. Blocks were immediately restored with 4-mm-high composite resin (Adper Single Bond 2, Z-250-3 M/ESPE). After 24 h, the restored blocks (n = 9) were serially sectioned and trimmed to an hour-glass shape of approximately 1 mm(2) at the bonded interface area, and tested in tension in a universal testing machine (1 mm/ min). Failure mode was determined at a magnification of 100× using a stereomicroscope. One block of each group was selected for scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. µTBS data was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). Mean bond strengths (SD) in MPa were: G1- 32.7 (5.9)(A); G2- 31.1 (6.3)(A); G3- 25.2 (8.3)(B); G4- 36.7 (9.9).(A) Groups with different uppercase letters were significantly different from each other (p < .05). Enamel bleaching procedure did not affect µTBS values for dentin adhesion. Er:YAG laser irradiation with 25.56 J/cm(2) prior to adhesive procedure of bleached teeth did not affect µTBS at dentin and promoted a dentin surface with no smear layer and opened dentin tubules observed under SEM. On the other hand, Er:YAG laser irradiation prior to adhesive procedure of non-bleached surface impaired µTBS compared to the control group.

Influence of filler addition, storage medium and evaluation time on biaxial flexure strength and modulus of adhesive systems.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of filler addition, storage medium and time on biaxial flexural strength and flexural modulus of six adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The adhesives were either unfilled resins: Single Bond, Prime&Bond 2.1 and One-Step; or filled resins: Single Bond Plus, Prime&Bond NT and One-Step Plus. Resin discs of each product (0.5 mm thick × 6.0 mm diameter) were prepared using silicon molds (n = 10). The discs were stored dry, in water, mineral oil or ethanol for 1 week or 3 months before biaxial flexural testing. Data were statistically analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05). The specimens were tested in a universal testing machine at 1.27 mm/min until failure occurred. RESULTS: In general, the storage in ethanol led to significantly lower flexural strength and flexural modulus values than the other storage conditions for all adhesives in both storage periods. Filler addition increased flexural strength and flexural modulus for Prime&Bond NT, when it was stored dry or in water for 1 week. For Single Bond Plus, the filler addition resulted in higher flexural modulus, when it was stored for 1 week in oil and in ethanol. No significant differences in flexural modulus were observed between One-Step and One-Step Plus in any storage medium. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested that filler addition does not necessarily have to increase the flexural strength and flexural modulus. Ethanol and oil storages tended to yield opposite effects.

Comparison of chemical aging and water immersion time on durability of resin-dentin interface produced by an etch-and-rinse adhesive.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the influence of short-term NaOCl-storage and long-term water storage on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of etch-and-rinse adhesive system to human dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six third human molars were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6) according to the aging protocol: G1 (water, 24 hours); G2 (water, 6 months); G3 (water, 12 months); G4 (10% sodium hypochlorite--NaOCl, 1 hour); G5 (10% NaOCl, 3 hours) and G6 (10% NaOCl, 5 hours). A two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2) was applied according to the manufacturers' instructions. A composite (Filtek Z250) was applied in four horizontal increments and was individually cured. Specimens were cut following the microtensile test technique, submitted to the different aging protocols, and tested in tension. The fracture pattern was observed in a stereomicroscope (40* magnification) and in a scanning electron microscope. The µTBS data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The effect of storage in 10% NaOCl for 1 or 3 hours was not significantly different from that of aging in distilled water (DW) for 6 or 12 months (p > 0.05). Beams immersed in DW for 24 hours and in 10% NaOCl for 5 hours showed the highest and lowest µTBS values respectively. CONCLUSION: The aging protocols negatively influenced dentin bond strength. Aging specimens in 10% NaOCl for 1 or 3 hours can be an alternative method for long-term water storage (6 or 12 months) bond strength studies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This aging protocol allows a quick achievement of longitudinal bond strength data, so that results are available to the professionals in this area while the materials are yet present at the dental market.

Influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation settings on dentin-adhesive interfacial ultramorphology and dentin bond strength.

This study evaluated the effects of Erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser settings and dentin bonding agents on ultramorphological characteristics of resin-laser-irradiated dentin interfaces and dentin bond strength (BS) of these adhesive systems. Additionally, dentin depth affected by Er:YAG laser irradiations was measured. The experiments were performed on occlusal dentin surfaces of third molars that were flattened with 600-grit SiC sandpaper. Treated-dentin with laser settings (250 mJ/4 Hz and 160 mJ/10 Hz) were the experimental groups, while SiC abraded dentin was the control. These three dentin treatments and three adhesives (two self-etchings and one etch-&-rinse adhesive) formed nine groups for the ultramorphology of laser-ablated dentin-adhesives interfacial analysis, using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). For BS (n = 8), the same nine groups were tested with addition of the two evaluation times (24 h after sample preparation or 1 year). The depths of Er:YAG laser effects into the dentin were measured using a TEM (n = 10). Ablated-dentin depth and BS data were analyzed by one- and three-way ANOVA, respectively, and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Hybrid layer formation was only observed for controls, while for laser-treated dentin, adhesives were bonded to dentin with resin tags formation. Laser settings reduced the BS for all adhesives at 24 h, while at 1 year, etch-&-rinse adhesive presented the highest BS, regardless treatment (control or laser settings). Dentin depth affected by laser settings was similar. The laser irradiation altered the bonding mechanism of the adhesives to dentin and reduced the BS for self-etching adhesives. Etch-&-rinse adhesive yielded the highest BS at 1 year. Laser settings similarly affected the dentin in depth. HIGHLIGHTS: Er:YAG laser irradiation settings produced similar effects on depth and bond strength to dentin. The etch-&-rinse adhesive yielded the highest dentin bond strength regardless of the type of dentin treatment at 1 year.

Effect of dental headlights spectrum on the polymerization and working time of light-cured resin composites.

Background: The use of dental headlights is a common practice to better illuminate the operatory field and achieve excellence in restorative dentistry. However, visible light-cured dental materials can have reduced working time under headlight illumination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the spectral irradiance power of two dental headlights on the degree of polymerization and working time of light-curable dental composites. Material and Methods: Two headlights, StarLight Nano 3 (StarMed) (SN) and Zeon Endevour XL (Orascoptic) (ZE) were characterized using a spectrophotometer coupled to an integrating sphere (MARC® Light Collector, BlueLight Analytics). The degree of conversion of the two composites, Filtek Supreme (3M) and Tetric Prime (Ivoclar Vivadent), was evaluated using an FTIR spectroscope (NicoletTM iS20, Thermo Fisher). Results: Both headlights emitted a significant amount of blue light. The Zeon headlamp without filter emitted a broader spectrum with lower blue intensity and higher CRI than the White LED of the Nano 3. The Zeon headlamp with the blue blocking filter emitted a broader spectrum than the Orange LED of the Nano 3. There were no differences in the degree of conversion and working time of the Filtek Supreme and Tetric Prime composites when illuminated by the different headlamps. Both Zeon and the White LED of the Nano 3 were capable to cure the composites within only 5-10 minutes of irradiation. There were no changes in the degree of conversion of the composites when the Orange LED of the Nano 3 or the blue blocking filter of the Zeon were used. Conclusions: Both headlights reduced the working time of light-cured materials. The use of orange filters prevented the composite polymerization and maintained the working time. Key words:Surgical Headlight, degree of conversion, working time, light-curing.

Polymerization Kinetics, Shrinkage Stress, and Bond Strength to Dentin of Conventional and Self-adhesive Resin Cements.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the kinetics of polymerization and shrinkage stress of resin cements, as well as their bond strength to dentin after 24-h or one-year water storage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three conventional resin cements were evaluated: RelyX Ultimate (RUL), Panavia V5 (PNV), and Multilink N (MLN); and three self-adhesive resin cements: RelyX Unicem 2 (RUN), Panavia SA Cement Plus (PSA), and G-CEM LinkAce (GCL). Degree of conversion (DC), maximum polymerization rate (RPmax) and gel time values were obtained using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR). Shrinkage stress values were determined with a tensiometer, using a universal testing machine (n=5). Indirect resin composite restorations (Solidex) were fabricated and cemented to the dentin surface using self-adhesive resin cements, or conventional resin cements with self-etching adhesive (n=5). Bonding performance was evaluated with the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test after 24 h or one year of water storage. RESULTS: MLN exhibited a higher DC (76.7%), whereas the percentage of other materials differed slightly (ranging from 54% to 58.5%). The RPmax and shrinkage stress values differed significantly between the cements. PSA showed the longest gel time. Significantly higher µTBS were observed for conventional resin cements after 24-h and one-year storage; a decrease in µTBS was observed for MLN only. CONCLUSION: Self-adhesive resin cements may not perform as well as conventional resin cements. Although both categories of cements presented similar polymerization kinetics and shrinkage values, the self-adhesive resin cements showed lower µTBS compared to those of conventional resin cements. Nevertheless, storage time only affected the bonding performance of MLN.

Effects of surface texture and etching time on roughness and bond strength to ground enamel.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of surface texture and etching technique on surface roughness (Ra) and bond strength (BS) to enamel and to determine if a correlation exists between them. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifty enamel blocks were either roughened with 600-grit SiC paper or polished with diamond pastes. After establishing ten test groups (n=5), the initial Ra measurements, rough (R) and smooth (S) enamel surfaces were etched according to the following protocols: Group 1(R)/Group 2(S)- 35% phosphoric acid gel (H3PO4) for 15 seconds; Group 3(R)/Group 4(S)- 35% H3PO4 for 60 seconds; Group 5(R)/Group 6(S)- Clearfil SE Bond primer for 20 seconds; Group 7(R)/Group 8(S)- self-etching primer (SEP) for 60 seconds; Group 9(R)/Group 10(S)- 35% H3PO4 for 15 seconds + SEP for 20 seconds. After treatments, a new Ra measurement was performed and enamel surfaces were bonded with either Single Bond (Group 1 to Group 4) or Clearfil SE Bond (Group 5 to Group 10). Afterwards, specimens were prepared for the microtensile test. Ra values were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the BS values were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (5%). Correlation between BS and Ra values was assessed using the Pearson's test. RESULTS: The application of SEP produced the lowest Ra values. No significant difference was detected between the BS values of polished and rough surfaces. No correlation was observed between Ra and BS values. Even though etching enamel with the SEP resulted in a surface with less roughness, similar BS values were observed for both self-etching and etch-and-rinse techniques. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study increasing the etching time or combining both etching techniques failed to improve the BS using SEP or etch-and-rinse systems. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on the findings of this study, there is no clinical justification for increasing the etching time or for combining the use of a SEP following the use of a 35% H3PO4 etchant to achieve a greater BS to ground enamel.

Bond Strength of Methacrylate-based Blends Containing Elastomeric Monomers and Alternative Initiators after Thermomechanical Cycling.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the bond strength to dentin produced by experimental adhesives formulated with an elastomeric methacrylate monomer (EMM) and an alternative initiator system based on a Thioxanthone derivative (QTX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-etching primer was used. For the bonding resin, a model adhesive (G1) was formulated containing bis-GMA/TEG-DMA/HEMA (co-monomeric blend) + CQ/EDAB (initiator system). The other groups were formulated by adding to this formulation: EMM only (G2), QTX (G3), or EMM and QTX (G4). Clearfil SE Bond was used as the commercial control group. Fifty bovine teeth (n = 5) were restored with each one of the five adhesives. After restorative procedures, half of the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h. The other half was fixed on a metal stub and subjected to 200,000 mechanical (50 N loading at 2 Hz frequency) and 1000 thermal cycles (5°C and 55°C). Afterwards, specimens were serially sectioned into beams and tested in tension until fracture. Bond strengths were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 5%). RESULTS: After 24 h, significantly higher µTBS was observed for the formulation containing EMM and QTX (G4) when compared to Clearfil SE Bond (p < 0.05). No significant differences in µTBS were detected among the experimental groups after 24 h (p>0.05). After thermomechanical cycling, no significant differences were observed among groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of EMM and QTX can be considered as possible alternative in dental adhesive formulations.

Effect of activation mode of dual-cured resin cements and low-viscosity composite liners on bond strength to dentin.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the activation mode of dual-cured resin cements and application of low-viscosity composite liners over self-primed dentin on bond strength (BS) of dentin-bonding agents (DBA). METHODS: Three DBA (Single Bond; Prompt L-Pop and Clearfil SE Bond), their respective resin cements (RelyX ARC and Panavia F) and two low-viscosity composites (Filtek Flow and Protect Liner F) were tested. After removing the buccal enamel surfaces of 25 bovine incisors, each flat dentin surface was sectioned longitudinally and divided into two similar parts. The dentin surfaces were wet-abraded with 600-grit SiC paper and randomly divided into 10 groups. Experimental groups comprised the use of DBA and their respective dual-cured resin cements, with or without light-activation of resin cements. The low-viscosity resin was used only for the self-etching systems, Prompt L-Pop and Clearfil SE Bond. Three resin cement cylinders (0.5mm high and 0.75mm diameter) were built on each bonded dentin surface, using a tygon tubing mold. After water storage for 24h, specimens were subjected to micro-shear testing. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test. RESULTS: Light-activation of resin cements resulted in significantly higher BS for all DBA versus groups in which the resin cements were allowed to self-cure. The low-viscosity composite application increased the BS only for Prompt L-Pop. CONCLUSIONS: The bond strength of resin cements to dentin is reduced if light-activation is not employed. The use of a low-viscosity composite liner resulted in improved bond strength only for the single-step self-etching adhesive.

All-ceramic inlay-retained fixed partial bridge using a CAD-CAM produced Y-TZP framework and fluoroapatite veneering ceramic: a clinical report.

All-ceramic materials have become an excellent option for both anterior and posterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs) due to advances in esthetic and mechanical properties. This clinical report describes the use of an all-ceramic inlay-retained three-unit FPD for replacement of a maxillary second premolar. Prosthetic restorative materials consisted of a CAD-CAM processed presintered yttrium stabilized zirconium oxide (Y-TZP) framework and a fluoroapatite veneering ceramic. The minimally invasive preparation technique and advantages of this highly esthetic and resistant treatment option are discussed.

Efficiency of polymerization of bulk-fill composite resins: a systematic review.

This systematic review assessed the literature to evaluate the efficiency of polymerization of bulk-fill composite resins at 4 mm restoration depth. PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched with no restrictions on year, publication status, or article's language. Selection criteria included studies that evaluated bulk-fill composite resin when inserted in a minimum thickness of 4 mm, followed by curing according to the manufacturers' instructions; presented sound statistical data; and comparison with a control group and/or a reference measurement of quality of polymerization. The evidence level was evaluated by qualitative scoring system and classified as high-, moderate- and low- evidence level. A total of 534 articles were retrieved in the initial search. After the review process, only 10 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria. Most articles included (80%) were classified as high evidence level. Among several techniques, microhardness was the most frequently method performed by the studies included in this systematic review. Irrespective to the "in vitro" method performed, bulk fill RBCs were partially likely to fulfill the important requirement regarding properly curing in 4 mm of cavity depth measured by depth of cure and / or degree of conversion. In general, low viscosities BFCs performed better regarding polymerization efficiency compared to the high viscosities BFCs.

Comparing depth-dependent curing radiant exposure and time of curing of regular and flow bulk-fill composites.

The effect of restoration depth on the curing time of a conventional and two bulk-fill composite resins by measuring microhardness and the respective radiosity of the bottom surface of the specimen was investigated. 1-, 3- and 5-mm thick washers were filled with Surefil SDR Flow-U (SDR), Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill-IVA (TEC) or Esthet-X HD-B1 (EHD), and cured with Bluephase® G2 for 40s. Additional 1-mm washers were filled with SDR, TEC or EHD, placed above the light sensor of MARC®, stacked with pre-cured 1-, 3- or 5-mm washer of respective material, and cured for 2.5~60s to mimic 2-, 4- and 6-mm thick composite curing. The sensor measured the radiosity (EB) at the bottom of specimen stacks. Vickers hardness (VH) was measured immediately at 5 locations with triplicate specimens. Nonlinear regression of VH vs EB by VH=α[1-exp(-EB/ß)] with all thickness shows that the values of α, maximum hardness, are 21.6±1.0 kg/mm2 for SDR, 38.3±0.6 kg/mm2 for TEC and 45.3±2.6 kg/mm2 for EHD, and the values of ß, rate parameter, are 0.40±0.06 J/cm2 for SDR, 0.77±0.04 J/cm2 for TEC and 0.58±0.09 J/cm2 for EHD. The radiosity of the bottom surface was calculated when the bottom surface of each material attained 80% of α of each material. The curing times for each material are in agreement with manufacturer recommendation for thickness. It is possible to estimate time needed to cure composite resin of known depth adequately by the radiosity and microhardness of the bottom surface.

Curing depth of a resin-modified glass ionomer and two resin-based luting agents.

The degree of conversion of resin-based luting agents used for retention of prefabricated posts has been questioned due to the difficulty of light penetration into the resin-filled root canal. This study evaluated the depth of cure of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Rely X--3M ESPE) and two resin-based luting agents (Rely X ARC--3M ESPE and Enforce-Dentsply). Twenty-four 14x2x2mm3 specimens were prepared in a Teflon split mold with the three luting agents (n=8). After preparation, the specimens were stored at 37 degrees C in a dark box for 24 hours prior to microhardness testing. Measurements of Knoop hardness were performed at three different depths: superficial, medium and deep thirds. The results (KHN) were statistically analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey test (0.05), which showed that resin-based luting agents presented the highest Knoop hardness values within the superficial third. Within the medium third, there were no significant differences among luting materials. However, within the deep third, Rely X presented the highest values. KHN values of resin-based luting agents decreased remarkably as depth increased.

Influence of cavity preparation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser and restorative materials on in situ secondary caries development.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cavity preparation and restorative materials containing fluorides in the prevention of secondary caries lesion development in situ. METHODS: A total of 120 blocks obtained from human teeth were divided into two groups and standardized cavities were prepared using diamond burs (DB) or Er,Cr:YSGG-laser [20 Hz, 4.0W, 55% water, 65% air (LA)]. They were divided into three subgroups according to the restorative material (n=20): glass-ionomer cement (GI), resin modified glass-ionomer (RM) or composite resin (CR). Blocks were fixed in palatal intra-oral appliances worn in situ by 20 human volunteers, who dropped 20% sucrose solution eight times daily. After 21 days, blocks were removed and restorations were cross-sectioned to evaluate microhardness [Knoop hardness number (KHN)] underneath enamel surface from 30 to 200 µm. Factors "cavity preparation," "restorative materials," and "depth" were evaluated by three way ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The results showed lower microhardness in cavities prepared with DB than in cavities prepared with LA. At 30 µm, there were no statistical significant differences with regard to "cavity preparation" or "restorative materials" factors. In depth evaluation, the enamel microhardness progressively increased as a function of depth for the GI groups. In the groups prepared with LA at 60 µm/90 µm, there were no significant differences between GI and RM materials, whose microhardnesses were significantly higher than that of CR. CONCLUSIONS: Cavity preparation using Er,Cr:YSGG laser increases caries resistance of enamel walls, and reduce caries lesion depth development regardless of fluoride presence in the restorative material. CR showed higher caries lesion development than GI, and RM showed intermediate results.

The effect of organic solvents on one-bottle adhesives' bond strength to enamel and dentin.

This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength (pTBS) of ethanol/water- and acetone-based, one-bottle adhesive systems to enamel (E) and dentin (D) in the presence (P) or absence (A) of their respective solvents. Thirty-two freshly extracted third molars were flattened with 600-grit SiC paper and restored with Single Bond (SB) or Prime&Bond 2.1 (PB) according to the manufacturers' instructions and after full solvent elimination. The molars were divided into eight test groups (n = 4): G1-SB-E-P, G2-SB-E-A, G3-PBE-P, G4-PB-E-A, G5-SB-D-P, G6-SB-D-A, G7-PB-D-P and G8-PB-D-A. After applying the adhesive resins, composite crowns of approximately 8 mm were built up with TPH Spectrum composite. After 24-hour water storage, the specimens were serially sectioned bucco-lingually to obtain 0.8 mm slabs that were trimmed to an hourglass shape, approximately 0.8 mm2 at the bonded interface. The specimens were tested in tension using a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/minute). The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test. The frequency of fracture mode was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. There were no statistically significant differences in mean bond strength among the groups restored with or without solvent for enamel. However, the results were significantly different for the dentin groups (MPa): G5-26.2 +/- 8.6a; G7-23.6 +/- 11.3ab; G6-12.8 +/- 2.1bc; G8-6.2 +/- 3.1c. SEM examination indicated that the dentin group failure modes were significantly different from the enamel groups. The results suggest that the presence of organic solvents does not influence microTBS to enamel. However, microTBS to dentin was significantly affected by the absence of solvents in the adhesive system.